Starting this month, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) has begun its search for Miss Southeastern 2012.
The search began with interest meetings, held on Aug. 23 and 24, which introduced interested female students to the pageant, the responsibilities and the benefits of being Miss Southeastern.
“We talked to many interested students during orientation,” said Dawn Dottolo-Starkey, administrative assistant to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. “We stayed in touch with about 40 of those students after orientation, but we had only four come at our first meeting.”
Though the interest meetings have concluded, applications for the pageant are still being accepted.
“Students can still come in and get the information,” said Dottolo-Starkey. “I’ve already had two students do so. Right now, we still have no idea of how many contestants we have. It’s too early to tell.”
Students who attended the meeting were asked to complete and return their applications by Wednesday, Sept.7. The applications can be found on the CAB’s Miss Southeastern Web page under the “Forms” link. The next meeting will be held on Sep. 21, and is mandatory for all contestants to attend.
The 2012 Miss Southeastern pageant will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Pottle Music Building Auditorium, during which contestants will compete in a five-phase competition. The competition will consist of an interview, a showcase of physical fitness in a swimsuit, a talent show, onstage questioning and an evening gown showcase.
The winner will receive tuition for a full year after receiving her crown, an all expenses paid trip to Monroe, La. to compete in the June 2012 Miss Louisiana pageant and a $1,000 clothing allowance.
While the position comes with perks, it also has responsibilities.
“It’s a great opportunity to get your self esteem up and get a great scholarship,” said Veda Abene, interim director of Miss Southeastern and administration and operations manager of Extended Studies. “But more importantly, it’s an opportunity to represent your university.”
Miss Southeastern 2011 Gabrielle Palma is excited about the upcoming pageant and whishes the newcomers luck.
“My advice to those who are competing: good luck and get ready.” said Palma. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime and one you will cherish. Remember this is a job and this is about representing Southeastern. Be prepared and most importantly, have fun.”
Though she emphasized the pageant is all about having fun, Palma also said that being Miss Southeastern is a full time job and must be taken seriously.
“You have to be ready for everything that comes your way,” said Palma. “You are a representative for the university and it is your job to encourage others to want to become more involved. The preparation for Miss Louisiana is another job in itself. Being Miss Southeastern means you are serving others and your university. Get ready to work hard.”
For more information visit the CAB’s office in the Student Union, Room 201 or call at 985-549-3805. Also, both CAB and the Miss Southeastern pageant have Facebook pages where even more information can be found about the pageant and upcoming CAB events.
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This story has been corrected to reflect Dawn Dottolo-Starkey’s correct title as the administrative assistant to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.